Color X-treme 5K Fun Run FAQs

Do I need to be avid runner to do this?
Oh my goodness, NO. There are plenty of other great 5ks out there to test speed and performance. The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run event is all about a color crazy day with friends and family. You can run, walk, crawl, or cartwheel if you wish!

How does a “Color Team” work compared with a solo runner?
Pretty simple, you register as a (4 minimum/6 max) team rather than as an individual. You get to pick a groovy custom team name, anything from The Roy G Biv All-stars to We Sweat Rainbows. You then get to run/walk together and “help” each other get really colored up over the 5 color kilometers. There is no “relay” component and team members can finish together as a unit or separately.

What is included with my The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run registration?
Runners will receive a custom VHCC Color Xtreme race shirt, a bag of Color, race number, and Sponsor Goodies. To inquire about Sponsorship openings, email vhsga@vhcc.edu.

Is The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run for a charity or a non-profit organization? All proceeds from the race will benefit VHCC’s Student Government Association scholarship for 2nd Year VHCC students who exhibit excellent leadership skills and academic excellence on campus through participation in clubs and organizations.

What is the inspiration behind The VHCC Color Xtreme 5k Fun Run? The Color Xtreme 5k is the first paint race of its kind here on the campus and was inspired by several awesome events, including Disney’s World of Color, Paint Parties, Mud Runs, Color Me Rad, and The Color Run 5k . We wanted to create a less stressful and untimed running environment that is more about health and happiness!

Can I run with a jogging stroller and my kids?
No strollers are allowed but if you are prepared to be one of the hippest moms/dads on the planet you may run alongside your child as long as they are above the age of 5 and as long as they like to have fun…all kiddos 5 and under can run with an adult FREE of charge and do not need to register!

Can I run with my dog?
NO DOGS are allowed at our races due to the dispersion of the color

Is there an age limit for younger runners?
No age limits:) If they can cover (running, jogging, walking,) the 3 miles of The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run course, they can absolutely do The Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run! Remember though, as soon as they turn 6 they will need to register.

Is there a packet pick up for the event? How does all that work?
Packet pick up/Race Check-in will be starting at 9am the day of the race.

What do you suggest I wear for the race?
As long as runners wear shirts that are mostly white, you are totally good. They can include team logos and any other image you see fit. Shorts/pants don’t need to be white. To that point… It is really just more fun to run starting in white and ending, well…. COLOR X-TREME !!!!!

How is the color administered? Will I be hurt, maimed, or killed?
Ha ha ha! we love this one. No, it doesn’t hurt at all. It is like getting into a powdered sugar food fight.
You are sure? Teenagers with paint ball guns are not involved at any point? Yes. We are 100% sure.

Will the color ruin clothes or running shoes? The “color” does mostly wash out after the event. As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it the better. We suggest wearing items that you wouldn’t mind getting colorful. If you would like to preserve the color in your running shirt, spray it with vinegar and iron it. If you wash your shirt….the color will eventually come out.

Do the kilometer “Color Zones” affect runner vision? Or breathing?
VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run explosions are basically food grade cornstarch and are 100% natural and SAFE. As with any substance, you want to keep it out of your eyes and our color throwers make sure to aim low as you pass by. Some runners opt to wear glasses or goggles for their eyes and use a bandana or dust mask for their mouths.

Do you have “cleaning stations” at the finish after party?
We have water color cleaning station near the finish line. With a good wetting down, you aren’t 100% clean, but you are totally good for the drive home. It is actually pretty fun to see people still colored up around town after The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run event. It is like a badge of honor!
How does the color affect the inside of cars?
Most people bring some towels for the insides of their cars, just in case. It’s like driving home from the swimming pool in your swimsuit:)

Can spectators attend the post-race The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run party?
Absolutely. We will have The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run powder packets available first come/first serve for everyone to purchase. You may want to warn them though… they ain’t coming out of The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run party clean!

Are cameras and phones safe to have in the color zones?
Our race photographers are totally fine shooting from a medium distance (25-50 feet). If you want to get shots right in the midst of the color we recommend covering cameras/phones with plastic wrap.

Is The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run timed?
The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run is a timed event. But runners tend to take their sweet time out there and we realized no one really cares about their speed. We suggest self-timing for anyone desiring a finish time. But we will have a timing station at the finish line.

How does the post-race color throw work? At the Finish Party, the crowd will do a color throw when everyone has crossed the finsh line. We provide one bag of color in your race bag and more can be purchased at check-in or the finish if desired.

Are there refunds? Unfortunately, we cannot issue refunds. Just make sure you are good to go before signing up. If for some reason you can’t make it to race day, at least come to the check in, pick up you’re The VHCC Color Xtreme 5K Fun Run gear, and say hi to us!